Head of Retail
Equinox Global investments
مجموع سنوات الخبرة :25 years, 4 أشهر
• Strategic planning and implementation of the overall business strategy.
• Adjust and improve business strategy based on market trends and status.
• Oversee and manage day to day operations of stores across the region (Qatar, KSA and UAE).
• Prepare annual budgets and sales forecast.
• Business performance review (monthly, quarterly and annually).
• Plan and implement business financial KPI's.
• Ensure adequate inventory level across all brands.
• Business development: being involved and lead business deals with potential new partners.
• Prepare and implement business roll out plan.
• Maintain high level business relation with existing and new business partners.
• Negotiate and finalize new locations with mall operators across the region.
• Work closely with brand managers/ marketing department on creating and implementing yearly marketing calendar by brand and overall business.
• Chair monthly meetings with the business managers.
• Encourage initiatives across the business.
• Being involved in improving and adjusting the business people structure
Achievements
• Company set up in KSA
• Business expansion across the region (3 new stores in KSA, 3 new stores in UAE, 7 new stores in Qatar)
• Finalized three business deals with new brands to be presented in the GCC market.
• Planned and implemented business new structure.
Regional Retail Operation Manager (Retail Operation Manager 2004 to Present
Salam Studio and Stores, Qatar, UAE, Oman and Jordan
• Write the company's policy & procedure manuals and employee handbook; update where needed.
• Administer all aspects of firm's planning/development strategies; drive forward new business development through in-depth analysis of clients' needs, requirements to promote growth and enhance revenue.
• Assume full responsibility for the strategic planning, development, operations, sales and marketing, customer service, human resources, administration, and P&L performance.
• Involve on stores opening, implementing new concept and store layout, choosing the site and selecting the right contractor in order to make sure the opening will be successful.
• Work closely with external consultants as needed to implement the company's overall business strategy, identify and select third party service providers and appropriate technology solutions for e-commerce and customer relationship management.
• Increase revenues and decrease expenses through streamlining procedures and implementing cost-cutting measures.
• Manage strategic alliances and marketing relationships with other companies to increase business.
• Plan, direct, coordinate, and lead activities of projects to ensure that goals, objectives and all elements of the organization are accomplished within the prescribed time frame and funding parameters.
• Propose new product lines based on changing market needs.
• Ensure the strong brand values continue to excite the consumer every day.
Achievements
• Project management of major store relay (Doha); increased overall sales by +36%.
• Managed to change the discount policy to a fixed price policy.
• Developed commercial reports, daily sales, and space management reports.
• Launch of standalone boutiques at the Pearl Qatar.
• Project launch of Salam Mirdif City Centre.
• Salam Department Store, Wafi, the UAE.
• Standalone boutiques opening, Yas Mall, the UAE
Store Manager 1997 to 2003
Al Futtaim Group, Abu Dhabi/Sharjah, the UAE
• Supervised sales teams and supported store operations.
• Looked after stores of different brands within UAE.
• Selected products and accessories to be displayed at trade and special production shows.
• Compiled list describing product and service offerings and set prices and fees.
• Led the stores’ teams to achieve their sales targets and controlled operations cost to meet the plan.
• Achieved regional sales operational objectives by contributing regional sales information and recommendations to strategic plans and reviews.
• Prepared and completed action plans; implemented production, productivity, quality, and customer-service standards.
• Met regional sales financial objectives by forecasting requirements; prepared an annual budget; scheduled expenditures.
• Encouraged strong business relationships with financial managers and principals' financial personnel.
• Was directly in touch with the local distributors and vendors in order to manage the procurement department, building the products range and selecting their suppliers.
Achievements
• Project launch of new Toys R Us store in Sharjah
• Increased customer purchase from 44% to 58% and average basket from Dhs 75 to Dhs 110
• Spearheaded improvement in store standards in terms of merchandising, presentation and customer service
• Introduced incentive programs to encourage improved performance
• Worked on developing the commerciality through detailed readings of sales reports
Commercial Manager 1997 to 2002
Marks & Spencer, the UAE/Bahrain
Followed with adherence to national development rules & regulations with precautionary steps.
• Created and executed brand consolidation strategy, product portfolio gap analysis, capitation pricing strategy, cost management program, and a self-service kit for new account installations.
• Developed successful sales and marketing plans within budget constraints.
• Created integrated sales and marketing strategies, and coordinated national and regional sales program implementation.
• Created and sustained an office environment that challenged and motivated everyone to deliver world class customer service.
• Promoted to regional responsibilities for business expansion and re-engineering.
• Responsible for ensuring that retail stores are being managed to the highest level of customer satisfaction.
• Assumed leadership for profit stabilization and volume recovery in strategic brands.
• Oversaw the product portfolio, including new product launches.
• Fully responsible for execution and completion of the merchandising plan as well as product visibility.
• Leaded and managed regional projects that contribute to the profitability of the business.
• Accomplished record in board and community relations, strategic planning, and new program development.
• Chose and built winning teams that exceed objectives.
• Analyzed results of operations for more efficient utilization of resources.
• Assembled and worked closely with board of directors.
• Maintained corporate relations with banks, lenders, and investors.
Achievements
• Conducted in-depth customer profile analysis (Bahrain) and identified changes required to ladies wear range;
• Project management of major store relay (Abu Dhabi)
• Drove cultural / attitudinal change as part of 'You are the Difference' team; refocused staff to customer centered approach
• Trained all staff in all stores across the Gulf on the program; won praise from Retail Director for Customer Service
